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Charred Timber Shelter with Elevated Sleeping Areas in the Latvian Wilderness

Author:
Daniel Mccorry
Charred Timber Shelter with Elevated Sleeping Areas in the Latvian Wilderness
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Charred timber cladding and strategically placed glass create a tranquil retreat in the Latvian wilderness, offering elevated sleeping areas and dedicated spaces for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber cladding enhances durability and insect resistance.
02
Elevated sleeping area maximizes views and makes efficient use of space.
03
Glass ledge offers unobstructed natural light for meditation.
04
Hallway design minimizes drafts and heat loss effectively.
05
Northeast orientation protects against cold winds while maximizing sunlight.

Located in the peaceful Latvian wilderness, "Viens" serves as a retreat for those seeking a quiet place to reflect. Designed for introspection, the cabin encourages a deep connection with nature. The concept revolves around simplicity and functionality. It creates a space where people can engage with both indoor and outdoor environments.

Spatial Organization
The layout of "Viens" is carefully designed to meet the needs of its users. It features an elevated sleeping area, a spacious porch, and a glass-enclosed ledge for activities such as meditation and reading. This arrangement helps ensure that residents have specific areas to exercise and relax. With ample natural light and outdoor views, the cabin promotes mindfulness and a deeper sense of peace.

Thermal and Environmental Considerations
A small hallway separates the cabin's interior from the outside, limiting drafts and heat loss. This design choice improves thermal comfort within the living spaces. Additionally, the building’s orientation is designed to maximize energy efficiency. The timber wall faces northeast, protecting against cold winds, while strategically placed windows and the porch grab sunlight throughout the day. This practical focus benefits both the environment and the well-being of the occupants.

Materiality
"Viens" uses materials sourced locally to reduce environmental impact. The main materials include pine wood slats, a wooden structural frame, and natural wool battens. These materials were selected for their durability and performance. The inclusion of charred timber cladding provides insect protection and weather resistance, allowing the cabin to blend in with its wooded surroundings while maintaining structural integrity.

Architectural Features
Traditional Latvian elements appear throughout the design, particularly in the use of gables, which extend beyond the walls to provide shelter. This approach connects the cabin to local architectural styles and adds visual interest. The way light interacts with the gables creates a varied experience for users, making them feel both safe and connected to the nature outside.

With thoughtful material choices and design details, "Viens" offers a calming sanctuary. The open porch invites interaction with the outdoors, while the glass-ledged nook encourages quiet contemplation, enhancing the experience of being in the Latvian forest.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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